The only drag brunch on the Strip expands The Garden’s original vision…
In 2021, former VEGAS 411 correspondent Clay Bushes penned a scathing indictment on the over-abundance of drag. “Too much of a good thing spoils the fun for everyone”, she said at the time. Apparently, someone took notice. While drag shows remain popular in nightclubs and showrooms, mainstay drag brunches have dwindled in number. But those that remain continue to innovate.
We recently took you to some of the newest brunches in town, including two featuring drag performers. DRAG PARTY BRUNCH at Queen Las Vegas wasn’t included for a good reason…we hadn’t attended yet! Fortunately, that was resolved this past weekend, thanks to an invitation from creator Eduardo Cordova. And the timing was quite right.
As a Vegas-based correspondent, I enjoy opportunities to see our city through the eyes of visiting tourists. It’s easy to take our city for granted when things are available year-round. We occasionally shrug our shoulders when long-running events disappear, while their absence is felt deeply by those who visit once or twice per year.
My guest was eager to return to Bottomless Brunch, a drag concept that closed along with The Garden Bar last fall. That set us on a mission to attend the “closest thing to theirs”.
Cordova created the original “Bottomless Brunch” for The Garden in the Arts District. His new venue is QUEEN, which continues the concept under a revised name. With the closing of Senor Frog’s at Treasure Island, it’s now the only drag brunch remaining on the Strip.
Mr. Cordova wanted VEGAS 411 readers to be aware that some drag celebrations are not owned and operated by the gay community. He finds that especially important in our current social climate. “We should support gay-owned and gay-operated small businesses in our cities. We are seeing more and more closures lately, not just in Vegas, but across the country. We need safe spaces now more than ever.”
So how has Eduardo upped the ante on the competition and his previous show? “Drag Party Brunch is a twist on a regular drag brunch. We encourage everyone to have fun and let loose. We get people up and dancing. People want to have fun, forget their problems…it’s Vegas! This isn’t a two-hour sit-down”, he continued. “People can stick around as long as they want. We’re open all night!”
QUEEN Bar Las Vegas is on Las Vegas Boulevard near a section known as “Naked City”. A wild collection of wedding chapels, neon-adorned motels, and tattoo shops, Naked City is an area undergoing redevelopment. Which naturally means “the gays” are doing their part to gentrify the neighborhood. A cliche, to be sure, but based in fact.
QUEEN Bar shares its address with QARMA, a late-night dance bar/nightclub that operates on Fridays and Saturdays. QUEEN serves up cocktails and great music Thursday through Sunday, with themed events like “Underwear Night” and “Drag Bingo”. Muscular and glamorous bartenders whip up drinks while friendly servers deliver delicious food and smiles.
Executive Chef Roman Allen creates the kind of timeless fare you’d expect to find at vintage Naked City diners (perhaps Chef Anna Altieri from Spiegelworld’s DINER ROSS should stop by to see how it’s done).
“Other brunches have mediocre food in buffet trays. Drag Party Brunch prides itself on signature dishes by Bel-Aire‘s Chef Roman Allen (previously of Todd English’s PEPPER CLUB)”, Cordova told us.
Chef Allen has created a simple yet beautiful menu for QUEEN. You can order a la carte with a show ticket that includes unlimited mimosas ($35), or choose a single entree with the all-in admission package.
Food selection is surprisingly affordable and satisfying, with each entree given an extra boost of color and flair. From the basic Breakfast Sandwich ($9) and Avocado Toast (with beet hummus and arugula – $10) to Angel’s Burrito (filled with eggs, cheese, bacon, and avocado – $14) and Queen Burger (two Angus patties, Queen’s Spread, bacon, grilled onion, lettuce and tomato on a pink brioche bun – $16), everything hits the mark.
At this point, you must surely be wondering about the entertainment. If you’ve been to drag brunches in the past, then you know what to expect. Outrageously-named performers in eye-popping costumes lip-sync to a mixture of disco-era standards and current female hits. They dance, flip, do splits, flirt, and even swing from the ceiling. These “girls” REALLY WORK!
Drag brunches are especially popular for celebrating life events. Birthdays, engagements, wedding showers, bachelorette parties…even divorces get a nod. Group shots of alcohol, dance-offs, double-entendres, naughty toasts…you get the idea. As Cordova reminds us, “It’s Vegas!”.
Because Sin City is synonymous with alcohol, expect a signature cocktail menu (left). Names like “Cowboy Carter”, “Future Nostalgia”, “Pink Friday”, and “Good Girl Gone Bad” share the page with special shots like “For The Hotties”, “Dark Lady”, “Blackout”, and “Invasion of Privacy”.
Feeling especially driven to visit boozy-ville? Then consider splurging on the MEGAMOSA. Priced at $120.00, it’s a party-sized serving of Aspen vodka, champagne, orange juice, and grenadine.
If that seems too extreme, it doesn’t mean you’re a lightweight. Still, there’s the smaller yet still grandiose MEGA’SPRESSO. A blend of Absolute Vanilla vodka (or Codigo blanco tequila), Kahlua liqueur, and made-to-order Dark Moon espresso, this $65 fiesta is sure to require an Uber/Lyft ride to your place of origin.
Finally, we arrive at the entertainers themselves. Are they famous? That depends on your Drag I.Q. Miss Desree D St. James is a bit of a Vegas icon. The Texas native has been spreading glitter and glamour throughout the Valley for many years. She’s joined by Felicia Fieerce, Angel Phoenix, Lindsey Larue, and Lakasha Lstatt. How’s that for a cast of tongue-twisters?
DRAG PARTY BRUNCH at QUEEN recently added Friday performances to the schedule. So now you have three opportunities per week to let loose and party. Tickets start at only $35 for the show and bottomless mimosas. There are various food/drink packages and group options to select from. Click here for the full details and to make reservations. Let down your inhibitions and have a blast!
QUEEN Bar and Restaurant is located at 1215 S. Las Vegas Boulevard, just north of Sahara Avenue and The STRAT Hotel. Ample free parking is available.